"The roof of the building collapsed because of heavy rains last night ... at this point we have a total of 13 fatalities," said Lennox Mabaso, spokesman for Kwa-Zulu Natal province's traditional affairs department.

Sixteen people were also injured.

South Africa's News24 reported that some people were sleeping at the church when the roof collapsed.

Meanwhile, several people were injured across the Kwa-Zulu Natal as a result of storms.